Dominica: Upcoming Cabrits Marina to offer premium docking for superyachts up to 150ft

This marina will cost in the region of about $201 million or US$75 million which will be financed by the Citizenship by Investment Programme.

Monday, 27th May 2024

Proposed plan of Cabrits Marina (PC - Facebook account of Dominica Ministry of Tourism)

Dominica: The groundbreaking ceremony of the Cabrits Marina took place on Saturday and marked a huge development for the economic growth of Dominica. Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit stated that the Marina will boost economic development in Portsmouth. According to the information, this marina will cost around $201 million or US$75 million which will be financed by the Citizenship by Investment Programme. It will have the capacity to accommodate a diverse array of vessels docked to slips of up to 50 feet and berths for superyachts up to 150 feet. The administration building and customs house at the project will provide top notch services and enhance the overall experience for visitors and businesses alike. Also, the marine village with its more than 15 food and beverage outlets, retail shops, supermarkets and a craft market promises to create a lively atmosphere where locals and tourists can shop, mingle, dine and enjoy the waterfront views. During the ceremony, PM Skerrit outlined that this is more than just the beginning of a construction project and noted, "It symbolizes a significant step forward for the Portsmouth community and the entire North, for the local economy and for the shared vision we have long held for a country's prosperity." He expressed his gratitude to the developer Range Developments and its director, Mohammed Azari. While showing his confidence in the director and his team, PM, Skerrit remarked, "I have every confidence that our friend Mohammed and his team at the range will now deliver to the people of Portsmouth and the surrounding communities a Marina of the highest standards, which will be a shining example of sustainable development in Dominica and the region." The Prime Minister also assured the citizens and residents of Dominica that the project was designed with sustainability in mind and ensured that the administration would protect and embrace the natural surroundings for generations yet to come.

"This government has proven that environmental considerations are important to us, and we are always seeking to strike the right balance between development and conservation," stated Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit.

While talking about the significant benefits of the Marina, he noted that this project is no different and the development of a Marina in this area marks a turning point for the town of Portsmouth and added that this area of the country has always been a community brimming with potential. He noted that Marina will further transform Portsmouth into a hub for recreation and commerce as well as make it a bustling centre of economic activity. PM Skerrit also noted that upon the completion of the marina he is anticipating an unprecedented number of visitors building on the consistent path of growth which the country has witnessed in the yachting history over the past years. At present, Dominica records approximately 2000 yacht's arrivals per year, carrying 7000 to 9000 passengers and with the new marina the level of growth for the sector will boom. The Marina will be a duty free zone, creating jobs, stimulating stimulating local businesses and attracting investments. The Dominican leader emphasised that the his administration is also expecting substantial revenues from slip leases, utilities and fuel sales. Meanwhile, the local restaurateurs will have a new modern compound to sell the food and beverages. The project will also create new jobs of attendants, deckhands, maintenance specialists and mechanics while artists and creatives will have a platform to display and sell their work. PM Skerrit highlighted that the marina will act as a catalyst for growth, complementing other major development projects underway across the sector.

Other major projects in Dominica

Not only this, but the Prime Minister also underscored his administration's broader vision for Dominica and noted, "We made promises to the people of Dominica who have placed their confidence in us since the year 2000, and we are indeed keeping those promises." He said that Marina is simply another component of the progress that his government is making as a nation. While mentioning other projects including the geothermal energy plant, the cable car, the internationally branded hotels, the modernization of the agricultural sector and most crucially, the construction of the international airport, PM Skerrit said that these initiatives are not isolated effort, they are part of the grand plan to elevate Dominica to new heights of economic and social development.